Cement prices are expected to soften by 8-10% from Thursday across the country, the third successive fall since May, by companies struggling to cope with lower demand for the key building material. According to Economic Times, dealers stated that cement prices are likely to be pegged at around Rs 200-220 per 50-kg bag from July 1, against the current market rate of Rs 235. Last two price corrections — in May and June — were severe in the south where prices dipped by a combined 30% against a marginal drop in the west and east. Northern markets escaped the price fall largely because of increased demand from the Commonwealth Games-linked infrastructure activities. Dealers and company officials say key markets of northern region like Rajasthan, Delhi and Haryana will see major corrections this time. Retail cement prices are likely to fall by 10% in the western and northern markets. Post the price cut, a 50 kg bag of cement is expected to command Rs 210 in Mumbai and Rs 220 in Delhi. Cement prices normally weaken during the monsoon as construction activities come to a near halt. This time around, however, prices have started going down much before the onset of monsoon because of over supply of the building material.